About to set out for London, hopes to be there for Royal Society anniversary meeting. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is ill and everyone in suspense over the consequences of the illness, hopes they will wait in patience for his recovery, which seems promising. Was heavily involved in the first edition of "Hortus Kewensis" and thinks it highly useful. [Jonas] Dryander's death a "dreadful loss", praises his skills as a librarian, work on catalogue of [Sir Joseph] Banks' library, and his character.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 9 November 1810. Confident of the King's [George III (1738-1820)] recovery but waits for the "authentic declaration of the physician's opinion". Agrees with Goodenough's eulogy of [Jonas] Dryander's character. [Alexander] Macleay and [Thomas] Marsham agree with Smith in proposing [John] Symmons for Dryander's replacement as vice-president. Death of Lady East, is suffering from dropsy, is imminent; praises her character. Profits by society of Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. [Robert] Brown is Dryander's replacement as Sr Joseph Banks' librarian. Hopes [new edition of] "Hortus Kewensis" will continue.

Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 5 December 1810. Thanks Goodenough for his "most judicious & able conducting" of the last Linnean Society meeting [resolving a dispute between William Elford Leach and William Bullock (fl 1790s-1840s)]. Agrees that [Thomas] Marsham is the best candidate for vice-president of the Society but is hurt that Marsham has hinted to others he expects to be appointed, despite having previously rejected the office. Intends to postpone the appointment of a vice-president and would like Marsham to explicitly state his desire for the role. Goodenough should put anyone he thinks suitable into the Council except [John] Symmons, lest it fuel rumours of his being appointed vice-president. Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] moving to London soon having bought a house in Welbeck Street.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.

A fit of gout has taken away the use of his right hand. Thanks for turkey, hopes to send oysters in return once they are good again. Smith's appointment of [Thomas] Marsham as vice-president "gives universal satisfaction". Proposes that [Robert] Brown's position and salary as Linnean Society Librarian be divided between him and another person; "£100 per ann[um] & the use of the House is extravagant pay for 4 hours service in a week".

Intended to be at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting and dinner but requested by the Duke of Portland [William Henry Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck, 4th Duke of Portland (1768-1854)] to attend the Marylebone Church Bill in the House of Lords and dine at Lord Lonsdale's [William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844)]. Asks what the protocol is for appointing the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] an honorary member of the Linnean Society and offers to propose or second him; lists his talents.

Forwarded Smith's letter to [George] Don. Goodenough wishes Smith would ask Don about how he found the Italian 'Lemium maculatum' in Scottish woods, which he remembers from Kew Gardens; Don is rumoured to have sown foreign seeds and claimed them as native plants. Asks Smith to consider Bishop of Durham's [Shute Barrington] election as honorary member of the Linnean Society. Advises Smith to solicit the Prince Regent to become patron of the Society. Gathered in Bolton woods, near Bolton Abbey, 'Rubus saxatilis', 'Thalictrum majus', 'Thalictrum minus', and 'Polypodium dryopteris'.

Sorry to hear that Smith is indisposed, especially as it means delaying the visit to Rose Castle. Smith should not be vexed by the bad review in the "Anti-Jacobin".

Hopes Smith is better, all in London were surprised to see one so "abstemious" suffering from fever; recalls Mrs Delaney, companion of the old Duchess of Portland, dying of one at 93. The 'Sedum ochroleucum' Smith sent is in good health but of the two carnations only the straw-coloured one produced flowers and the "piquote" one died. Compliments Smith on his handling of engaging the Prince Regent as patron of the Linnean Society; thinks there will be no impediments to Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] now becoming an honorary member. Hopes Smith's friend [William Fitt] Drake will succeed [in his training for the clergy], and that he will think for himself. Carlisle botanists disappointed Smith is not visiting this year; one of them, Mr Holme of Peterhouse, finds good things. Has given one of his vacant prebends to his second son, Robert, who has married Miss Markdam, and has also preferred several other family members.

Warns Smith of the the propensity for botanists to feel slighted, citing examples of Hugh Davies versus [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], and Stokes versus Goodenough, in informing Smith that it was not Edmund Goodenough but Revd Holmes of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who sent Smith 'Arctium bardana'. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] has found a wild simple-leaved ash in a hedge near Pilton, Devonshire, and she has taken measures to preserve it in its location. Does not approve of Smith's name 'Carex rariflora' as it is used for name of a variety of 'limosa', suggests 'nivalis' instead. Arrived in London last week, with gout, but his daughter, Maria, is not worse. Price of posting raised from 3 shillings to 6 shillings per mile for four horses. Dreads discussions about to take place in the new Parliament. Wonders what [Dawson] Turner's intentions are as he has not published anything of his "Fucus" for seven months.

Received Smith's letter of 18 October and forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Scott. Compliments Smith and Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] on their apt choice of reading material in the library at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and asks whether Roman Catholics attach any religious worth to the possession of missals, in reference to manuscript of the Greek Testament at Holkham. Surprised to hear that Smith is experiencing difficulties retrieving a manuscript from the widow of Kennicot.

Has not seen the "Monthly Review" since it started attacking the doctrines and establishment of the Church after the death of the editor [Ralph] Griffiths [(c 1720-1803)] but will look out for it [for Richard Salisbury's review of second edition of "Hortus Kewensis"]. Goodenough generally criticises Salisbury but asks if he praised "Hortus Kewensis" and wonders at his finally praising Smith [for granting of his knighthood]. Goodenough's daughter has given birth to her first son and his twenty-third grandchild, the boy is to be christened alongside daughter by his daughter, Charlotte, by his son, Samuel, in Rose Castle chapel.

Sent letter relating to Mrs Stoddart, to Mr Lynn [Goodenough's son-in-law], in reference to irregularities in the management and claiming of dues of the manor of Kirkland, Cumberland. His knowledge of the business: as the Minister of Caldbeck, the de facto lord of the manor, has had no regular residence the rights of the manor have not been kept up, and so by Cumberland law deemed to be obsolete. Subsequently, the tenants have been conveying their estates without paying the customary dues and fees, which Mr Lynn now intends to claim as lord of the manor.

[Thomas] Marsham about to move from Baker Street to a house in Winchmore Hill which was lately occupied by Marsham's son, William, and mistress. Goodenough shocked to hear that Marsham and his wife visited them on many occassions; "how the revolutionary confusions of sound morality spread". [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert at his brother-in-law's house in the country recovering from a "great irritation" caused by overexcitement and exhaustion during a visit by [Aimé] Bonpland [(1773-1858)].

Recovering from a three week long bout of gout. Received letter from Mr Lynn [Goodenough's son-in-law] stating that the possessor of a disputed estate in the manor of Kirkland, Cumberland, proved at court his right and title to it, so that Mrs Stoddart has had to stop her action [in attempt to claim fees and dues owed to the manor, see RelatedMaterial]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert appears to have recovered from his intense agitation. [Alexander] MacLeay has returned to town looking pale and thin. Happy but uncertain how stable the peace with America will prove [War of 1812, North American conflict between Britain and Ameria, 1812-1815]. "The world seems tired out with war & strife [...] but France [...] is like the troubled sea, which is never at rest". Sir Joseph Banks "remarkably well". Asks when the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" is out.

Thanks for turkey. Suffered from a fit of gout but now recovered. [Thomas] Marsham leaving Baker Street for Winchmore Hill today, where Marsham's son and mistress lately lived.

Happy to hear Smith is on the way to visit Rose Castle, sends his compliments and extends invitation to [Thomas William] Coke and reminisces about when they attended the late Lord Rockingham's levees together [Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-1782), prime minister 1765-1766 and 1782]. Forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Napier.

Informed by Mrs Corfield that [Thomas] Marsham is dangerously ill, and what he thought was a recurrance of his asthma is in fact dropsy. Goodenough fears that the letter and insect 'Hippobosca' he sent, from an owl, that differs from the 'Hippobosca avicularis' will distress Marsham's feelings. Alarmed by Smith's comment on how easily Napoleon could be smuggled out of St Helena and astonished by the actions of the new French government, "they are reconcilable to no principle of soverignity, despotism, humanity or prudence". Uneasy that he has only heard from his son, Edmund, once, since he went to Paris.

Franked Smith's letter for [John] Hawkins. Sorry to hear of the death of Smith's brother, reminds him of death of his only surviving brother when he became Bishop of Carlilse. Heard that Smith has lately had a considerable accession of fortune.

Linnean Society news: [Thomas] Marsham well again but has resigned as Treasurer of Linnean Society, replaced by [Joseph] Sabine; [Alexander] Macleay ill again; Lambert reports on Society struggles that the next volume of "Linnean Transactions" is ready but for someone to compile a list of donations for the year, and there were no papers for the last meeting nor the upcoming one. [Edward] Rudge sends compliments to Smith, reports that a Frenchman has been at Sir Joseph Banks' claiming to preserve dried meat and fish for any length of time. Goodenough has been suffering from gout since arriving in London three weeks ago.

Glad to hear of Smith's accession of fortune. Hears that [Thomas] Marsham is ill again with evident signs of dropsy. Comments on the "frightful" accounts of persecution of Protestants by Roman Catholics in south of France, the Duke and Duchess of Angoulême and Duke of Berri are "bigots of the first order".

In a postscript, upside down at top of recto of first folio, says that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has just returned from Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire], and by his account "nothing can equal the extravagance & folly of that poor Marquis" [George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, later 5th Duke of Marlborough].

Sorry to receive Smith's confirmation of the report that [Thomas] Marsham had appropriated £600 of funds from the Linnean Society for his own use. The report was first brought to him by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, who received it from [William Elford] Leach, and after questioning Leach learns that the loss is not as great as £600 and Marsham has since paid £300 for renewing the lease of the Society's building. Goodenough proposes a fundraising subscription to save the Society and a "great entrenchment of finances", starting with employing an additional person to justify [Robert] Brown's excessive salary for eight hours of attendance a week as librarian. Laments Smith's absence as Lambert does not have the experience to deal with the situation.

In a postscript Goodenough writes that Marsham's son attended a Council called to discuss the matter, and said that the money would be forthcoming; confusion over whether Marsham had resigned as Treasurer. Goodenough refused [William] Kirby's canvassing letter.

Had to delay forwarding Smith's letter to [Francis] Boott. [Alexander] Macleay confident that [Thomas] Marsham will repay the money but [Robert] Brown not sure, concern that the affair will bring the Linnean Society into "great discredit". Brown thinks [Edward] Rudge has exagerated the business. [William Elford] Leach did not at first state that Marsham had paid £300 for the lease of the Society's Gerard Street house. Marsham's debt found to be £700, not the £600 originally stated by others, including [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert.